Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Human Resources & Recruitment (Bilingual in Spanish) to lead all human resources functions and recruitment efforts for our WashSmart laundry.
Chicago, IL 60629

This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing effective HR strategies, overseeing the entire recruitment and hiring process, improving employee retention, supporting location managers, and ensuring consistent HR policies and procedures throughout the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human resources management, high-volume recruiting, employee relations, workforce planning, and talent development, HR compliance, HR operations, Federal and State labor laws.
Experience supporting multi-location businesses, retail, hospitality, restaurants, or other service-based industries is highly desirable.

This position will work closely with C-suite and location management to ensure the company attracts, hires, develops, and retains quality employees while maintaining a positive, productive, and accountable workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources & Talent Acquisition – Key Responsibilities

1. Human Resources Leadership & Compliance

Oversee all HR functions across approximately 22 laundromat locations, ensuring consistent policies, procedures, and employee management practices.
Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide HR policies, employee handbooks, and workplace standards.
Manage the full employee lifecycle, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, and terminations.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including oversight of payroll coordination, benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment claims.
Serve as the primary HR resource for ownership and location managers, providing guidance on employee relations, disciplinary matters, and workforce management.

2. Recruitment, Hiring & Employee Retention

Lead all recruiting and hiring efforts across the company's 22 locations, ensuring locations are appropriately staffed with qualified, dependable employees.
Develop and execute effective recruiting strategies utilizing online job platforms, social media, workforce agencies, and community partnerships.
Establish and maintain a consistent pipeline of qualified candidates to minimize staffing shortages and reduce the time required to fill open positions.
Develop and implement employee retention strategies to reduce turnover, improve employee engagement, and strengthen workforce stability.
Monitor recruiting effectiveness, employee turnover, hiring trends, and staffing challenges, implementing measurable improvements across all locations.

3. Employee Training, Multi-Location Management & Performance Accountability

Develop and implement standardized onboarding and training programs to ensure consistent employee performance, customer service, and operational standards across all locations.
Establish clear expectations and accountability standards for location managers regarding hiring, employee training, performance management, and retention.
Conduct regular location visits and management meetings to evaluate staffing levels, employee performance, workplace concerns, and operational challenges.
Develop leadership training and employee development programs to strengthen management capabilities and improve overall workforce productivity.
Establish and monitor key HR performance indicators, including turnover, recruiting effectiveness, staffing levels, attendance, and training completion, providing regular reports and actionable recommendations to ownership.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Bilingual – Spanish
Minimum of 7 years of progressive human resources management experience.
Strong experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, and high-volume hiring.
Experience supporting multiple business locations or a geographically dispersed workforce.
Demonstrated experience managing the full recruitment and hiring process.
Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR compliance, and employee relations.
Experience with employee onboarding, performance management, and retention programs.
Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS), HRIS, payroll systems, and recruiting platforms.
Ability to manage multiple hiring priorities across numerous locations.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly between the company's 22 locations.

Preferred Experience

Experience in laundromats, retail, hospitality, restaurants, or other multi-location service businesses.
Experience overseeing recruitment for 15 or more locations.
Experience with high-volume hourly employee recruitment.
Experience reducing employee turnover and improving retention.
Experience developing standardized HR policies and procedures.
Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR is a plus.

Washsmart is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal history, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

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